Smoking
New Zealand is a smoke free country when it comes to restaurants and bars. No smoking is allowed inside.
Being organised
Kiwis are not as ‘obsessed’ with being tidy and organised as it is the case with some other cultures. This does not at all mean that their homes are dirty, they are just pretty relaxed about it. They may also clean in a different way than what you are used to.
Central Heating
Central heating is almost non-existing in kiwi houses and when they warm up a place, the heather will only be on in the place where they spend most of their time. Instead of heating, they use warm clothes inside. Houses can be cold due to bad isolation and the wooden/weatherboard material used for older buildings. Luckily, it is only cold a few short months of the year.
Being polite
It is very common for kiwis to say “thank you” and “please” and be very polite for all sorts of occasions, especially on buses and in shops. If you are not used to this, it can sound a bit exaggerated.
Clothing
New Zealanders are outdoor-orientated and usually dress quite casual. Even at work, people do not often wear suits or ties.
